New design exhibition set to inspire Ipswich

28 May 2018

Imagination, innovation and new methods of making and drawing on the high-tech and rapidly evolving world of three dimensional (3D) printers will be explored in a new exhibition at The Workshops Rail Museum until 2 September 2018.

Shapeshifters: 3D Printing the Future is a playful exploration of 3D printing featuring jewellery, fashion, furniture and prosthetics – all created with 3D printing technology.

Showcasing works by seven Australian and one international maker, this exhibition explores how 3D printing has revolutionized the way we design and apply products in our everyday lives.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said Shapeshifters helped to demonstrate how technology and innovation pushed the boundaries in our everyday lives.

“It is exciting to discover the many ways technology is shaping the world around us,” Minister Enoch said.

“I commend the Queensland Museum network for presenting exhibitions that show the many facets of science,” she said.

Acting CEO and Director of the Queensland Museum Network, Dr Jim Thompson said it was exciting to see this new exhibition on show at Ipswich.

“The Ipswich Railway Museum, home to The Workshops Rail Museum, is renowned for bringing innovation and design together, with the historic railway site producing forward thinking railway objects using patterns and steel.

“Shapeshifters offers visitors a glimpse into the future of manufacturing design and production through new technology, challenging visitors to think outside of the box and ask what everyday items may transition to 3D printing production and how this changes the design process,” Dr Thompson said.

A series of hands-on workshops will accompany the exhibition including opportunities for adults and children to design and print their own 3D objects.

This special exhibition is produced by the Australian Design Centre in Sydney and will run until 2 September 2018, and is included with museum entry.